Books and Scrolls

Overview

This page, inspired by the superior Book Collection on Pallas Athene's website, contains the texts and locations for all the books and scrolls in the game. Each item is alphabetized by the first word in it's name; therefore, "A Translation of the Cipher Manuscript" is with the other A's, not the T's. The Aloiphos are alphabetized according to their whole names, while other books in a series are placed in a more canonical order. To read a book or scroll, click on the arrow beside its name to toggle the display. You may also download all the texts through the link below, or toggle all the displays by clicking on the button below.

A Translation of the Cipher ManuscriptLocation: Pnyx, 8th Degree Hall; First Stronghold

Between the multitude of Realities is the Void. To be able to cross the Void, is to be able to cross between Realities. That those of the Chimera have done so is given as fact, and from them I have learned the ability.

Realities can be as small as Kythera, or an entire Universe, complete in itself, as the human homeland was. All, however, are created as Chimera. Kythera appears unique in the weakness between the Barrier and the Void – the Elemental forces are strong to maintain cohesion, or so I was told. I however, hold that the strife between them has allowed this Barrier to weaken – if allowed to continue, it will be destroyed, and with it, Kythera.

Both futures must be planned against – both in attempting to realign the Elemental forces, as well as increasing the localization of the Barrier, should Kythera fragment. Were the latter to happen, the shockwave might well disrupt nearby Realities as well – the Chimera know not for sure, but thus have they warned me. In this warning, I could not help but perceive a thought – Th L Dr W, though he meaning of these letters I know not.

To unify the Four Pillars have I brought the humans, being of the Fifth Element, though their arrival has disrupted much of the balance. If, indeed, it was a balance to begin with. One other tool, if it is gathered, might help – the fragments of the Bone Stone. Those fragments, however, are beyond my reach at this juncture. Gaining them shall be a dangerous gamble, which I shall only undertake if it appears that all else is failing (for that failing gamble might well hasten the end that is most feared).

Alaric, LandkingLocation: Land King Hall, Alaric's private study

The origin of our Lord Alaric is shrouded in the depths of the unknown, but the people will never forget when he destroyed the power of the Third Tyrant in 216. Many is the tale that has been told of how a stranger came to court, claiming ismply that ‘The rule of Tyrants is over’. The blinding flash of light that followed left the Tyrant and his supporters dead.

Understanding his motives for what followed is even more difficult, for he seemed to cast society adrift, claiming that he’d return only after a fair form of government had been selected. But it was through this that six individuals formed a the basis for our current government.

The system of government that has been established by Alaric is most ingenious, providing a system of checks and balances, so long as Alaric himself remains what he claims to be – ‘LandKing’. The use of Mages is questionable, due to the general distrust of people towards all forms of magic, but at the very least, it is no worse than the disquiet of the Tyrants.

The use of Mages does provide a much more fair system of judgement, especially with the fact that they are neutral in House politics, owing their allegiance only to Alaric. This author will concede the point that magic does provide a way of knowing truth from falsehood, as applied to matters of disputes, as well as preventing fraud and abuse in family voting.

There are, however, two major points of concern. The first would be Alaric himself. Were he not to remain neutral and concerned with the ‘general good’ (a laughable statement unto itself), he could outdo the Tyrants in terms of absolute power, especially with Mages as enforcers of his will.

Additionally, were something to happen to him, the system would surely fall apart, for without an almost godlike leader for the people to believe in, the distrust of decent folk toward Mages would surely lead to collapse. However, considering how rare it is for a commoner to actually meet Alaric, it is possible that he could no longer exist, and the system could continue with just the idea of Alaric, transforming him truly into a god.

The second point is with the Mages. Were they not to agree and follow Alaric, chaos would ensue. They could easily assume control. Alternately, if people were to lose faith in the power of Mages to provide justice, the power of the various Houses would increase (though it is unclear if there would be a smooth transition).

Aloiphos ALocation: Pnyx, main library; Pnyx, 4th Degree Hall

...

Let the Magus then contemplate each in turn, raising it to the ultimate power of Infinity. Wherein Sorrow is Joy, and Change is Stability, and Selflessness is Self. For the interplay of the parts hath no action upon the whole. And this contemplation shall be performed not by simple meditation—how much less then by reason!—but by the method which shall have been given unto Him in His initiation to the Grade.

...

Aloiphos BLocation: Pnyx, main library; Pnyx, 5th Degree Hall

...

There are four gates to one palace; the floor of that palace is of silver and gold; lapis lazuli

...

Aloiphos FLocation: Pnyx, main library; Pnyx, 7th Degree Hall

Many have arisen, being wise. They have said ‘Seek out the glittering Image in the place ever golden, and unite yourselves with It.’

Many have arisen, being foolish. They have said, ‘Stoop down unto the darkly splendid world and be wedded to that Blind Creature of the Slime.’

I who am beyond Wisdom and Folly, arise and say unto you: achieve both weddings! Unite yourselves with both!

Beware, beware, I say, lest ye seek after the one and lose the other!

Aloiphos FDLocation: Pnyx, main library

...

Then look for Witnesses and Judge in their special table, and see what is said under the head of the demand. Put this down. Note next what figure falls in the House required (if it spring into other Houses, these too should be considered) ‘e.g.’, in a question of money stolen, if the figure in 2nd be also in 6th it might show the thief to be a servant in the house. Look next in the Table of Figures in the Houses, and see what the figure signifies in the especial House under consideration...

Aloiphos JLocation: Pnyx, 4th Degree Hall

...

The frog being caught is kept all night in an ark or chest. Presently the frog will begin to leap therein, and this is an omen of good success. Dawn being come, though shalt approach the chest with an offering of gold, and if available of frankincense and of myrrh. Thou shalt then release the frog from the chest with many acts of homage and place it in apparent liberty. Dismay, for example, be placed on a quilt of many colours, and covered with a net.

...

Aloiphos MJLocation: Pnyx, main library; Pnyx, 5th Degree Hall

...

Now in this is the magical power known.

It is like the oak that hardens itself and bears up against the storm. It is weather-beaten and scarred and confident like a sea-captain.

Also it straineth like a hound in the least

It hath pride and great subtlety.

Yea, and glee also!

Let the magus act thus in his conjuration.

Let him sit and conjure, let him draw himself together in that forcefulness; let him rise next swollen and straining; let him dash back the hood from his head and fix his basilisk eye upon the sigil of the demon. Then let him sway the force of him to and fro like a satyr in silence, until the Word burst from his throat.

Then let him not fall exhausted, although the might have been ten thousandfold the human, but that which floodeth him is the infinite mercy of the Genitor-Genetrix of the Universe, whereof he is the Vessel.

Mine orb the world

...

Aloiphos OLocation: Pnyx, main library; Pnyx, 6th Degree Hall

...

There shall be a new flower in the fields, a new vintage in the vineyards.

The bees shall gather a new honey, the poets shall sing a new song.

...

Aloiphos VLocation: Pnyx, main library; Pnyx, 6th Degree Hall

...

He writeth for them that are ready. Thus is it known if one be ready, if he be endowed with certain gifts, if he be fitted by birth, or by wealth, or by intelligence, of by some other manifest sign. And the servants of the master by his insight shall judge of these.

This Knowledge is not for all men; few indeed are called, but of these few, many are chosen.

This is the nature of the Work.

...

Aloiphos VALocation: Pnyx, 8th Degree Hall

...

Let the Aspirant beware the slightest exercise of his will against another being. Thus, lying is a better posture than sitting or standing, as it opposes less resistance to gravitation. Yet his first duty to the force nearest and most potent; e.g. he may rise to greet a friend.

This is the Third practice of Ethics.

Let the Aspirant exercise his will without the least consideration for any other being. This direction cannot be understood, much less accomplished, until the previous practice has been perfected.

This is the fourth practice of Ethics.

...

Aloiphos VDLocation: Pnyx, 8th Degree Hall

...

First Point. The student should first discover for himself the apparent position of the point in his brain where thoughts arise, if there be such a point.

If not, he should seek the position of the point where thoughts are judged.

Second Point. He must also develop in himself a Will of Destruction, even a Will of Annihiliation. It may be that this shall be discovered at an immeasureable distance from his physical body. Nevertheless, this much be reach, with this must he identify himself even to the loss of himself.

Third Point. Let this Will then watch vigilantly the point where thoughts arise, or the point where they are judged, and let every thought be annihiliated as it is perceived or judged.

...

Aloiphos YALocation: Pnyx, 8th Degree Hall

...

In the beginning was Initiation. The flesh profiteth nothing; the mind profiteth nothing; that which is unknown to you and above these, while firmly based upon their equilibrium, giveth life.

In all systems is to be found a system of Initiation, which may be defined as the process by which a man comes to learn that unknown Crown.

...

Aloiphos YDLocation: Pnyx, main library; Pnyx, 7th Degree Hall

...

Also the altar shall fume before the master with incense that hath no smoke. That which is to be denied shall be denied; that which is to be trampled shall be trampled; that which is to be spat upon shall be spat upon. These things shall be burnt in the outer fire.

...

Aloiphos YHLocation: Pnyx, main library

...

The Speech in the Silence

The Words against the Son of Night.

The Voice of Tohuti in the Univers in the Presence of the Eternal.

The Formulas of Knowledge.

The Wisdom of Breath.

The Root of Vibration.

The Shaking of the Invisible.

The Rolling Asunder of the Darkness.

The Becoming Visible of Matter.

The Piercing of the Scales of the Crocodile.

The Breaking Forth of the Light!

...

Aloiphos YSLocation: Pnyx, main library; Pnyx, 6th Degree Hall

...

For I am the soft sinuous one entwined about thee, heart of gold!

My head is jewelled with twelve stars. My body is white as milk of the stars; it is bright with the blue of the abyss of stars invisible.

I have found that which could not be found; I have found a vessel of quicksilver.

...

An Account of Semius the Golem HunterLocation: Catamarca, Citadel; Pnyx, main library

...

And in this day, given the problems of golems that survive their master’s death, they must be tracked down and destroyed, lest they wreak havoc and bring greater damage to the population as a whole, and thus distrust to the mages themselves.

...

Semius went forth, wearing the legendary cloak of hero Herakles, to slay these threats to society, to reduce them to the meat of earth.

And so the fate of Semius is unknown, last rumored to be in the city of Cademia, though that is but a rumor. It is said that he was last seen purchasing a lyre, saying something about the ‘key to opening being SGD’, though we, of course, discount this as nonsense.

Basic Alchemical PotionsLocation: Pnyx, main library

There are a number of basic potions that can be made by the novice practitioner, with basic equipment and skills. These include:

Healing – Sulfur

Mage’s Friend – Obsidian

Antidote – Spider webs

Clear Head – Peppermint

Smith’s Friend – Ruby

Farsight – Diamonds

Food of the Gods – Swamp Seed Pods

Nerve Tonic – Swamp Beans

Basis of MagicLocation: Land King Hall, library; Pnyx, main library

Magic is based on the powers of the Earth itself, which, when manipulated by the powers of a Mage, can produce wonders. The process of manipulating these powers is done by casting a spell.

One of the key tools of a Mage is their Grimoire, which is a book of tables and formulas used not only to research spells, but to study existing ones. It is crucial in learning new spells, especially when learning from scrolls, as opposed to tomes...

...The Way of a Mage begins as an apprentice, who studies under a master so that one day they may become a student at the Magisterium in Pnyx.

It is as a student that they gain their grimoire and learn their first spells. Under watchful eyes, they learn spells from scrolls using the information in their grimoire....

After the Magisterium, the young Mage begins a period of public service as a Judge, using their powers and learning to arbitrate disputes in the land, as well as help to enforce the laws of Alaric.

If they wish to expand their powers, they then begin a period as a Freemage, living as a hermit so they can devote all their time to study and learning.

Finally, after a period as a Freemage, they return to the Magisterium to prove their powers and skills, attempting to become a Master. Once a Master, they can live wherever they’d like, even teaching at the Magisterium or taking up an apprentice of their own.

Bestiary of Asilops, Common BeastsLocation: Land King Hall, library; Pnyx, 5th Degree Hall

The flora and fauna of Cythera is rich and diversified. There are, however, several important common creatures that one would see in the wilds of Cythera (note that this volume does not deal with domesticated beasts).

Swamp Gators – These vicious beasts are common in the Southern Swamps, though may sometimes be seen in swampy lands and river banks. They are both quick and deadly, but none too bright.

Asps – Another denizen of the Southern Swamps, these creatures can also be found in other parts of the wilds. While they normally pose little threat to the traveller, their bite has been known to be poisonous.

Ratlizards – This small lizard is found everywhere in the world, including in the sewer systems of Cademia. What they lack in size, however, they often make up for in numbers, and are known to swarm.

Wolflizards – A larger cousin of the ratlizard, the wolflizard is found in larger packs. They are also more dangerous than that ratlizard, and for this reason, the traveller is advised to not travel at night through the forests of the world, since this is their most common habitat. It is also suspected that they have dens in caves during the day.

Unicorn – The massive six legged, single horned reptile is common in the wilds of Cythera. Despite its appearances, it is normally quite harmless, when viewed from a distance. The traveller is advised to leave these behemoths alone.

Titan – With its long neck and tall stance, these graceful creatures normally feed upon the tallest trees of the forests. Like the unicorn, they are relatively harmless, when left alone at a distance.

Many are the strange and weird animals in the wilds of Cythera (see the ‘Common Beasts’ volume for more details). Stranger, still, however, are the creatures rarely seen in the wilds, found, instead, in other terrains.

Giant Crab – Like its smaller (and tasty) cousin, the giant crab is normally found near the ocean, along the various shores of Cythera. They are especially fond of caves and caverns near said shorts. These creatures, however, are neither edible nor as innocuous as their smaller cousin. Instead, they are aggressive and dangerous, especially with their hard exoskeleton.

Ooze – This grey slime is found in various caves and caverns of Cythera. While not appearing to be dangerous, they are, in fact, poisonous. It, however, is rumored that they are very susceptible to fire.

Land Jellyfish – Like the Ooze, these creatures are found in caves and caverns. Also like the ooze, they are poisonous, but these creatures can also swim. They are to be treated like the ooze in other respects.

Giant Slug – If there were ever a more disgusting looking creature, one would be hard-pressed to find it. This sickly colored giant bag of moving rot and decay is normally found only in the caves and caverns of the land, feeding off both dead and not-so-dead creatures. Fortunately, it is relatively harmless, as well as easy to kill.

Scylla – At sea, there is no creature more feared than scylla, the sea monster. All that is normally seen is its massive head above water, as well as its tentacles (though sometimes just the tentacles are seen). No remains of this creature have been found, so it is assumed that the tentacles and the massive head are one creature. Scylla is the main reason that the Cytheran ancestors had to give up their original maritime lifestyle.

There are plenty of strange and exotic beasts in Cythera (see my previous two volumes ‘Common Beasts’ and ‘Uncommon Beasts’) without the need to create new creatures – this author has had no personal experience with any of these creatures, so some doubt as to their existence is given. Nonetheless, my work can not be complete without at least mentioning some of them.

Polyp – A green, barrel-like creature with a single beak-like mouth on the top, and sickening tentacles around the top of the body, this creature may be related to Scylla (due to the similar tentacled appearance). They are supposed to be very aggressive and dangerous.

Hydra – What might be a larger version of a polyp, or perhaps another species entirely, this massive creature is everything that is wrong with a polyp magnified ten fold. While I might wish to doubt its existence, there have been too many reports to dismiss so easily. Still, no remains have ever been found.

Firesprite – This legendary creature appears to be some sort of living flame. This is certainly just another travellers tale, with little to back up the existence of it.
Harpy – Strange, deadcolored flying creatures have been reported living somewhere in the southwestern extremes of the land. With a whip-like tail, and rubbery wings, this creature might be more at home in the sea than the air. Either their bite or their tail are rumored to be poisonous.

Sylph – This floating, pulsing ball of light has sometimes been seen by travellers during the night, only to vanish as one approaches it. The true source of this phenomenon may never be discovered.

Metics – The legendary creatures who built some of the ruins of Cythera, these creatures are entirely in the realm of legend. Said to be tall, with gray skin and green hair, these creatures are still rumored to live in remote parts of Cythera, contemplating who knows what.

Undines – Some fishermen have reported seeing human-like creatures playing in the waves at a gr'

While I thought my bestiary complete with my previous volume ‘Legendary Beasts’, it is obvious that I have missed creatures created by magickal means. It is to be noted that I have had no personal experience with any of the entries listed here – rather these are all gathered with conversations with various mages.

Golem – This creature is the folly of the Mages. It was created as a servant, magickally animated earth. Unfortunately, the creature would continue to exist, even after the death of its master. Without a master, they became dangerous to all around them, inspiring the trade of ‘Golem Hunter.’ Fortunately, the need for such a profession has since passed, and mages now know better than to create such open-ended spells.

Undead and Skeletons – Through a form of most evil magick, the dead bodies of humans can be transformed into walking servants. It is to be stressed that this form of magick is not taught, and in truth, were it not for very reliable witnesses, it should not even be possible to use magick in this fashion.

Lich – If one were to take the process of creating an undead servant and apply that process to the living body of the caster, it is theorized that an evil abomination would be created by the procedure. Again, it is to be noted that this creature is pure theoretical in nature – the author believes that the Mages have speculated on this creature to explain the possible existence of undead servants.

Demons – For lack of a better term, this would be a summoned magickal entity, an egregore created purely of magickal essence. Again, this is a theoretical creature, postulated as an experiment to create a servant like a golem, but without the ‘problems’ associated with that.

Cademia was not just our first city, but it is also the greatest. From the Imperial Castle to the River, it is the source of our protection, the source of our leadership.

Exploration of the Seldane Ruins by TimonLocation: Land King Hall, Alaric's quarters; Odemia, Sacas' private study; Charax's house

My focus is upon the ruins outside of Pnyx, at the source of the River Tirynth, though I shall also attempt to connect the various pylons found in various remote locations, as well as the more recent discoveries in the swamp south of the Plains of Khalkis. The similarities between the building materials, as well as the architectural style, clearly indicate a common origin, though minor stylistic variations are found, which I believe are related more to the purpose of the buildings rather than any other factor..

Flora and Fauna of CytheraLocation: Land King Hall, library; Pnyx, main library

The wildlife of Cythera is widely diversified for being such a small landform, but the environment ranges from mountains to forests, plains to swamps. The predominant life forms are reptilian hexapeds, from the smallest scavenger, larger pack based predators, and giant land based herbivores.

Of these, only the swamp crocodile is similar to what we are used to, albeit with six legs.

There is also a giant version of a crustacean similar to a crab.

It is fortunate that the settlers were able to bring some livestock and plant clippings, or life on Cythera would have been difficult. However, goats and chickens can flourish almost everywhere. The climate has also been quite satisfactory for growing both grapes and olives, which provide a staple to the diet. A native plant similar to flax can produce both flour and the fiber for thread and fabric production.

History of KytheraLocation: Pnyx, main library; Pnyx, 4th Degree Hall

The history of Kythera dates back to the destruction of our homeland by fire and our heroic journey through the sea. How we awoke, lost and stranded, on an unknown island that we have come to call Kythera is surely the stuff of legends.

The loss of our gods was woeful to us, and the rise of the Mages spelled disaster to us all, but for the power of the Great Tyrant of Cademia, who exiled them in 152. Truly, without the Great Tyrant, we would have never survived.

History of the Cipher ManuscriptLocation: Pnyx, 8th Degree Hall; First Stronghold

In 186 AT, the remains of a charred manuscript were found in the bottom of a chest in the library in Pnyx. Not only were only fragments of it found, but they were written in an unknown script. Through painstaking work, an attempt was made to recreate the original document. The result, however, is very confusing, at best.

The problems are multifold – we know not the original script, words, nor grammar. Through the use of experimental magickal methods, which unfortunately would more oft destroy the original than translate it, we strove onward. What we discovered, we could not have prepared for.

The resulting jumble of ideas and sentences was then re-arranged, attempting to create a usable document. Some liberty has been taken to attempt to organize the thoughts contained there-in into a more readable form. We have taken our best guess at some of the unknown words, hopefully this does not change any of the content in any significant way.

If there is any truth to this document, it would be most alarming. Not the least of these is the issue of the author of the document, who is almost certainly not human...

Journal of TavaraLocation: First Stronghold

The fall of the Outer Temple has caused much concern among the Undines, and the condition is made worse with the rise of this Alaric. We sense the hand of the Seldane involved in this somehow, but Alaric is as beyond us as we are beyond the Mages. Still, time is on our side, for Alaric is still but a mortal.

I must confess, however, my faith in the Undine has wavered. While it is true that they have been faithful allies, and granted me much power, I have my doubts. First there was the Cipher Manuscript, then the fall of the O.T., and now Alaric. They are not as all-powerful as they would lead others to believe, despite overthrowing the Seldane. They just seem unable to handle the temporal thinking of mortals – perhaps one day I can use this fact to my advantage. They played me for a fool when we destroyed Abydos, and I will get my revenge for that...

There can be no doubt that the Scylla is one of the most dangerous inhabitants of Cythera, but little is known about these creatures...

...

It is clear that the Scylla is the male of the species, while the female is rarely seen – a multiarmed terror known as the Hydra. Even more rare are the young of the species (though there is some debate on this point). These polyps are immature forms of the species, barrels shaped with tentacles at the top. No intact remains have been found from any of these creatures, so much will remain unknown, such as how they are able to seek out their prey (and this author will attest to the violent nature of the creatures)...

Lost Cult of ScyllaLocation: Land King Hall, library; Pnyx, main library; Pnyx, 6th Degree Hall

During the last days of the Third Tyrant, an underground cult began to arise, challenging the authority of the Tyrant. This cult worshipped Scylla, the sea behemoth, viewing it as a god, who controlled the seas. It was even said that worship included making sacrifices to the beasts.

...

Finally, the Tyrant sent forth his bravest commander and a small troop to destroy the Cult, attacking by stealth. The commander was armed with the legendary Sword of Heroes, the most powerful weapon of the Tyrant. However, it was shortly after they left Cademia, heading northwest, that Alaric appeared, ending the rule of the Tyrants forever.

Of the Cult, nothing remains – be it due to the Sword of Heroes or the powers of Alaric, for the troops never returned and the powers of the Cult vanished. Even the location of the Temple is unknown, save that it is in the northwest.

It was in 184 that settlers from Pnyx ventured south to form a second, mage friendly, settlement. Led by the mage Tavara, they eventually founded the settlement of Abydos.

...

It was in 192 that all contact with Abydos stopped. A expedition to reestablish communications was formed. Upon entering Abydos, they discovered all the inhabitants missing, but no signs of violence. Food was on the tables, work items lay on the ground, as if the people simply vanished without a trace.

...

To this day Abydos is shunned and avoided, and has been left to fall to nature. Fanciful stories, however, circulate about Abydos being haunted, but surely there is no truth to them.

Pnyx, City of MysteryLocation: Land King Hall, library

The city of Pnyx is home of the Magisterium, that mysterious school of mages, who give us our laws and justice through the grace of Alaric. But Pnyx is more than just a school, for it houses rare books and great wonders. Built on the principles of learning, it is a wondrous city to visit.

Prophecies of Neleneus the Savant, First ProphecyLocation: Pnyx, main library

...

The day of the Tyrants shall be numbered,

And it shall end with a new order.

The exiles shall return,

And with them, a new leader.

The people shall rejoice,

And Six of them shall rise.

When the Voice of a God speaks

So shall be the first sign.

That which was Lost shall try to return,

But now is not the time for that to be.

The Voice must be destroyed,

For it speaks not the truth.

So shall the last act of the Tyrant be,

Before the Wanderer comes.

With the guidance of a fool,

So shall a new Age begin.

Prophecies of Neleneus the Savant, Second ProphecyLocation: Cademia, Machaon's workshop

...

Ye shall know the Signs of the Coming of the Second End.

They shall be plague, violence, and treachery.

The Traitors shall be guided as the Hidden were before them.

The Traitors shall not, however, fail as the Hidden.

Look ye, then, for the Omens Five, Proof of the End of the Age.

Sons shall slay fathers, in a game of Power. So is the first Omen.

The Seas shall rise, and the Dead shall walk. This is the second Omen.

A Stranger shall come, and with him Nightmares. This is the third Omen.

The Hidden joining the Traitors, to overcome the Master. This is the fourth Omen.

That which was sundered to four shall be joined, Opener of Ways. This is
the fifth Omen.

This shall be the Key to the Fifth Element.

Those that walk the Fifth Element will Bring the Dawn.

And from those Walkers will be brought a New Order.

Only the Walkers of the New Order shall have the Unified Power,

And those of the Four Directions shall be at their mercy.

Report on the Hidden Chiefs and the Cult of ScyllaLocation: Pnyx, underground tunnels

Diones the Elder, 203 A.T.

The information from this missive is deemed restricted

The whole affair with the Cult of Scylla has some serious ramifications to our furthered state of existance. While the Cult has proven to be a source of problem for our enemy, the Tyrant, it potentially poses an equal threat to us. While at first appearing to be a simple folk religion, it appears that there is an intelligence behind this, what we have deemed ‘Hidden Chiefs’. Who these are, and what their source of power is, we have yet to determine, but to remain undetected by both ourselves as well as the Tyrant’s agents requires gifts that are beyond what was expected.

Our agent has determined that only the innermost circle of the Cult is aware of these Hidden Chiefs, and was unable to obtain more information other than their existence. That there is a power involved here that is beyond our magick is a given. Our best scrying has only determined that there is some connection with Lost Abydos, but even that is obscured by something beyond our magick. I shall personally investigate this matter further, and report when more is known.

Sapphire Book of the CrownLocation: Land King Hall, Alaric's private study

As all can be derived from nothing, the Unity of all that exists is the basis for all that exists, and this is the first step from the Infinite to the final expression. This is the first principle of consciousness...

Sapphire Book of WisdomLocation: Abydos, Tavara's workshop

The first step of creation is the raw energy or force, which gives life. It is excitement without known cause, raw and unbridled...

Sapphire Book of UnderstandingLocation: Pnyx, empty room in the southeast corner from the main library

Without the capacity to take form, all is naught, so one must be able to this very abstract reasoning to the results of the raw energy of Wisdom...

Sapphire Book of MercyLocation: Kosha, Itanos' study

It is the creation of form that is the first step across the abyss from the abstract to the concrete, and within this creation of form one can experience feelings of spiritual well-being...

Sapphire Book of PowerLocation: Cademia, Machaon's workshop

As there is the creation of form, so must there be the destruction of form, just as one gains reasoning about right and wrong, and through that, a true understanding of power...

Sapphire Book of BeautyLocation: Prusa carries it

Beauty is the consciousness of consciousness, as expressed by a perspective on life which is Beauty. It is an abstract between force and form...

Sapphire Book of VictoryLocation: Loose dirt south of Odemia

It is the consciousness of force that is needed to go beyond abstracted consciousness, which can be expressed as emotional feelings about material things, in this last abstraction of force...

Sapphire Book of SplendorLocation: Catamarca, hidden under Polydamas bed in the Citadel

The last abstraction of form that yields the consciousness of form. One experiences this with reasoning about material things, which forces that which is into form, but is not the form itself...

Sapphire Book of FoundationLocation: Ayrit, Unhayt carries it

The power of dream and imagination is but one step removed from the physical world, making it the foundation for that which is manifest. One can view this as the consciousness of the world.

Sapphire Book of the KingdomLocation: Cademia, Berossus' study in the northeast corner of the Tyrant's Castle

All works are ultimately experienced in terms of physical sensation, and thus physical sensation can be viewed at the final determinant in magical expressions. It is within this physical world that man lives, the matter of the world...

Seldane Ruins of PnyxLocation: Land King Hall, Alaric's private study

When the original mages were exiled from Cademia by the First Tyrant, they came to eventually settle at the mouth of the River Tirynth. It wasn’t long after the first settlement was built that ancient ruins were found at the headwater of the River Tirynth. The ruins were surely not created by man, the building materials alone being beyond the skills that man possessed to shape. Thus the builders were called Metics, after a legendary race that common folk claimed to have seen from time to time.

Founded in 113 as a simple village around a spring, it wasn’t until 174 when the Second Tyrant built the Citadel. Built on top of a cliff that housed that original spring, this building was both a stronghold as well as a vacation home for the Second Tyrant, who sought out mystical powers said to be found in the spring’s waters. Besides the Tyrant, others flocked to those miraculous waters, freely available from fountains at the base of the Citadel, though access to the master spring was restricted only to the Tyrant.

Study of TimefluxLocation: Crab Cove, Idomeneus' skeleton

Time is like the Sea, in more ways than one....

...so I propose that a whole new field of Time-related Magic is possible, but requires understanding the power of the Sea, much as our common magic is based on the Earth...

The Artifact of PnyxLocation: Land King Hall, Alaric's private study

A mysterious green crystal was found in the ruins outside the city of Pnyx – this crystal has caused much debate among scholars over the builders (and their powers) of the ruins. This much is clear – it is the potential source of much power, though unlocking the power is beyond all who attempt it, rendering this artifact to almost more of a curiousity, rather than a truly important find.

The Maze of InitiationLocation: Cult of Scylla

It is only through tests and ordeals that a prospect can truly be initiated into the mysteries of Scylla. The candidate must therefore pass through the Maze of Initiation. This alone shall test the worthiness of the candidate.

First, the candidate must find the secret, for only through secret knowledge is the path to future growth unlocked.

The second test is a test of power, for only through strength can the door to reality be opened. If they hesitate, or are errant in their use of power, surely shall that power destroy them.

The third test is one of planning. Only through proper planning can the obstacles in life be pushed aside, revealing the means to open the innermost chamber.

Finally, the true maze of comprehension must be mastered. Though the paths in life constantly switch and change, through comprehension can this maze be mastered.

Once the candidate has passed these four tests, then they can truly be a member of the Temple.

Crude MapLocation: Cademia, hidden in kindling on the eastern side of the slums

Kesh Note from the Ruffian EncampmentLocation: Ruffian Encampment, northeastern building

Here’s your latest supply of kesh, but we need more, so increase harvesting of harpy eggs – you must make your weekly quotas. Keep rationing your men, even when they are in camp – we don’t want Alaric or the Mages to detect us. Once they are addicted, however, you can reduce to quarter doses to extend the supply yet maintain the protection. Despite minor setbacks of late (especially that idiot Antiphus), our plan still moves ahead. Make sure to impress that the price of failure is worse than any nightmare they can have (our allies will see to that), but success will reward them with more wealth than they know what to do with.

Kidnapping LetterLocation: Abandoned Farmhouse, Eudoxus carries it

D-
Kidnapping successful
Will send ransom note when you say we are ready
-E

Letter from Berossus to AlaricLocation: Land King Hall, Alaric's quarters

My Liege:
House Comana has gained popular support in Cademia – House Attis not happy, but I detect no foul play. Will continue to investigate.
—Berrosus

Letter from Tavara to AeacusLocation: Cult of Scylla, Aeacus' skeleton

Aeacus, O.T.H.
Danger to the Outer Temple – Tyrant moves! The OT can fall, but we must preserve the Inner Brotherhood at all costs.
—Tavara, I.B.H

Omen's Test #1Location: Omen's Test, Part A

Welcome, Human, to my little test for you. It is not hard to pass, and will give you some of the skills you need to survive (though you may feel like a creature in a cage). I hope that Omen did not startle you. His appearance is strange, but don’t let that deceive you.

You have already passed the first part of the test – you have read this note. Next, you must pull that nearby lever to open the gate, leading you to the next room. There you will find a locked trapdoor. Find the key, open it, and then go down the ladder.

Omen's Test #2Location: Omen's Test, Part A

Sorry, the key is not in this chest, but good try. Look to your south – notice anything interesting about the wall? Try using it...

Oh, you might want to use one of the torches in this chest, it will provide some light for you if you wield it in your hands...

Omen's Test #3Location: Omen's Test, Part A

Ah, very good, very observant, finding that second secret door, but not all discoveries like this lead to reward, unfortunately. However, this one does...

Omen's Test #4Location: Omen's Test, Part B

This room is trickier – the door is locked by a spell. You have but one chance to get this one open – take that strange looking object, what you would call a bomb. Pick it up, use it to light it, and then toss it so it lands right next to the door. Stand back and let time pass...

Omen's Test #5Location: Omen's Test, Part B

Not all levers are easily found – perhaps if you re-arranged things a bit here.... (don’t worry – all the crates are empty so it is easy for you to move them, and you don’t need to waste your time searching them!)

Wine ContractLocation: Cademia, Apis gives it to you if you accept the quest to renew her wine contract

--Wine Contract--

Apis agrees to buy from .................... wine in the quantity of ......... barrels, at a price of 100 oboloi per barrel, to be deliverable upon payment.